Bainbridge High School will soon welcome Jacob Haley into his new role as principal of the school as the academic year comes to a close.

But as Haley takes over, he vacates his position as associate principal of the high school.

The position didn’t stay vacant for long, however, as the Bainbridge Island School District announced the appointment of Kristen Haizlip as the new associate principal of BHS Thursday.

“We are thrilled to have Kristen Haizlip join our administrative team,” Haley said.

“Kristen has a very student-oriented approach that connects all learners to the school and greater community,” Haley said. “Kristen brings outstanding experiences and background knowledge as both a teacher and an administrator.”

Haizlip comes to Bainbridge Island fresh off her duties as assistant principal at Bellevue High School.

She has taught at Bellevue, as well as Interlake High School. Haizlip has also served as an instructional and a curriculum coach for the Bellevue School District.

Haizlip earned her master’s degree in teaching from Seattle University in 2004 after she completed a master’s degree in arts and science from Washington State University. She received administrative credentials from the Danforth Educational Leadership Program at the University of Washington.

Haizlip said that island’s sense of community attracted her to the position.

“I see the role of the school administration as a conduit between the school and the community, as a way to tie students into their local surroundings while also making larger global connections,” Haizlip said.